Your Health Hero

Acid Refux Basics

2012-09-02T09:43:00.001-07:00

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the medical term for “Acid Reflux” is defined as the product of abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus thus, creating a mucosal damage, likewise known as the chronic symptom.

This disease strikes adult primarily, while infants and children may also be affected. Normally spurred by consuming certain foods, if not pregnancy, or taking a sleep right after consuming a heavy meal, a large number of persons suffer from acid reflux at one time or another.

Heartburn or acid indigestion is another name that refers to acid reflux. Heartburn, the major symptom of Acid Reflux in the esophagus, is described to cause a burning uneasiness at the back of the sternum.

The symptoms may come as coughing, voice transformation, hoarseness, constant ear ache, or sinusitis. The complications brought upon by acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers or worse this may lead to esophageal cancer.

However, constant heartburn sensations do not necessarily mean that one has captured GERD already. The risk occurs when heartburn happened more than once a week, this occasion could possibly lead in developing GERD.

The usual cause of GERD is the increase in acidity or gastric acid production in the body, obesity, pregnancy, or tight-fitting apparels, these all may add to the problem. The yeast infections are also thought to be one of the causes of GERD-like symptoms.

An added ironical cause of the GERD is the insufficient production of stomach acid in the body. The explanation says that the valve, the hollow organ with a flap that insure the one-way course of fluid through the organ, once emptied triggers acidity in the intestines. If the valve fails to open, the contents of the stomach will be blended into the esophagus, and then irritation occurs.

Meanwhile, there are already several treatments for GERD today, one of which is the balance and healthy consuming habits. Now if proper diet fails to work, one may shift to medication therapy or surgery as suggested by the doctors. Below are the lists of several selections of Acid Reflux treatment:

Suitable Diet: the natural way to cure Acid Reflux is through change in their consuming habits. A good number of people affected by GERD found success in following this method. Avoid the food ingredients which may intensify heart burn such as caffeine, soft drinks, and smoking. Avoid consuming two hours before sleeping; likewise, avoid lying down after taking meal. These are the regular suggested change in lifestyle.

A different easy way to treat GERD is to elevate the head of the bed. The pharmacological therapy, the combination of prevention of food two hours before sleeping and the rise of the head of the bed, there is a great chance for a patient to gain a 95 percent relief. The rise of the head of the bed is suggested to range for only 6 to 8 inches or 20 cm. Using this method the backflow of gastric fluids will be hampered.

Drug handling: Drugs reduce the secretion of the gastric acid, for instance and famotidine and omeprazole lessen the secretion of gastric acid and the Antacids counteract the acid.

Surgical handling: the Nissen fundoplication, the standard surgical treatment for Acid Reflux, the medication process will only cover a short period of time. The function of this is to support the sphincter, a spherical bond of muscles that opens and closes to let the food or waste to pass, as well as stop Acid Reflux, and of course restore the hiatal hernia.

3 Weight Loss Super Foods to Help You with Quick Weight Loss

2010-03-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

How nice it would have been if you could lose weight by eating, right? Well, your wish is about to come true. In this article I will tell you of three such foods that will help you lose weight. Sounds too good to be true? Well, just read this article to understand what I mean!

1. Lean meats: Lean chicken meat is one of the best weight loss foods you can ever have! Why? It contains a lot of amount of protein and very little fat, and as you know, protein will build lean muscles. Lean muscles will help you burn fat by accelerating your metabolic rate!

If chicken proves to be too expensive for your pocket, try turkey breast! In any case, make sure you eat only lean meats and stay away from red meat!

Fishes are also very good for quick weight loss. Fishes such as salmon and tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids fall in the category of 'good fats' or unsaturated fats. You gained weight because of a hormone called leptin which stores fat inside your body. Omega-3 fatty acids will cut down on leptin; when that happens, you are bound to lose weight!

2. Olive oil: Replace your fatty oil with olive oil. Olive oil is almost free from the 'bad fats' (saturated fats) and contains a considerable amount of unsaturated fats. These unsaturated fats will not only suppress your appetite but also fight cholesterol. In short, olive oil will keep your cholesterol levels down.

3. Berries: Berries are also good for weight loss. There are several types of berries: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc. All of them will help you with weight loss in one or the other way. Strawberry is especially the best among the berries: not only it tastes good, but also helps in suppressing your appetite. Once you get rid of hunger pangs, you can focus more on your weight loss goals and less on eating!

As you can see, just because you want to lose weight doesn't mean that you have to starve. Many people tend to starve or follow crash diets but nothing beats eating and losing weight. I firmly believe that if you eat the right foods, you will not only lose weight but also become healthy. Plus the foods I mentioned above are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Also remember that these are not the only weight loss super foods that are available to you. Other foods such as nuts, oatmeal, eggs and almonds can also help you with weight loss. Add these foods to your diet and see how quickly you are able to get rid of your fat belly!

2 Steps To Successful Weight Loss

2010-03-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard a lot about the importance of positive thinking in weight loss. If you keep harboring negative thoughts, you will never be able to lose weight. On the other hand, if you become a positive thinker, weight loss will become easy for you. Let me give you an example.

Believe it or not, you are unable to lose weight because you believe that you are fat; chances are that, you even hate yourself for the same reason. Now, if you believe yourself to be thin instead. can you imagine the positive impact it can have on your weight loss goals? Your mindset and attitude can make or break your weight loss goals. In this article I will tell you how to develop a positive mindset.

Remember though that just as you cannot lose weight overnight, you also cannot transform your negative thoughts into positive ones within a very short time. So be patient with yourself and try to incorporate these changes slowly into your life!

1. The reason behind your weight loss: What is the big reason behind your weight loss efforts? Why is it that you want to lose weight? Is it simply because you are unable to bear with the taunts you receive from your office colleagues, or is it because you keep getting turned down for dates, or is it simply because you want a figure like your favorite celebrity whose photo you recently saw in a magazine? Whatever it is, write them all down on a piece of paper. Note down all the reasons behind your weight loss endeavors, no matter how small or big they are!

For best results, buy some Post--It-Notes(r) stickers and write down everything on such a sticker, and make copies of it on other stickers. Then stick those stickers at every corner of your house so that you are reminded of your weight loss goals everyday. Don't forget to stick them on your kitchen and refrigerator as well: those are the places where you are most likely to be tempted to eat the 'forbidden foods' or 'cheat' on your diet program!

2. Motivation and realistic goals: Now it is time to set some realistic goals for yourself. To do that, you need to know your ideal body weight, and then subtract that from your current body weight. The resulting figure you now get is the amount of body weight you got to lose to acquire the kind of figure you want.
Now, realistically, you cannot lose more than 2 pounds per week. Do the math and find out how many pounds you can lose a year from now. Again, be realistic in your goals, as unrealistic goals serve no purpose. If you weigh 100 pounds or more, don't expect to gain a svelte figure like Jessica Alba within a month!

Once you have set your goals, you now need some motivation that will help you achieve your weight loss goals. What you will use to motivate yourself will depend on the reason behind your weight loss. If you want to be like your favorite celebrity, hang the pictures of that celebrity all around your house. Side by side, also hang your picture with your current body weight! That would be more than enough to keep you motivated!

2 Easy Ways To Conquer Weight Loss Plateau

2010-03-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

You were probably losing weight successfully for the first few weeks after you joined a new diet program, only to be stuck to a certain point later. When people start a diet program they rapidly lose a few pounds, because most diet programs are created to offer you 'instant weight loss'. Sadly enough, this 'instant weight loss' is more often than not 'temporary' weight loss.

You will lose weight very quickly for the first few weeks but after that, you will suddenly discover that the scale is not going down anymore! You are not losing any more weight than what you have lost already! You have hit a situation commonly known as weight loss plateau! In such situations, the only remedy is a complete overhaul of your lifestyle habits.

You have probably done the same sets of exercises as well as ate the same types of foods over and over again during those first few weeks when you were losing weight. As a result your body got accustomed to your diet and exercise routine. When that happened, your weight loss methods failed to bring any sustainable results!

If you want to go beyond this point, you need to change your diet and exercise regimen.

Here are two methods you need to follow to get out of the weight loss plateau.

1. Calorie-counting is not the way to go: When you count your calories, you basically limit the intake of calories to an abnormally low level. When you eat low calorie foods, there is no incentive for your body to increase your metabolic rate since it has to burn only a few calories. The result is that your metabolic rate always remains at a very low level. When your metabolic rate is low, you aren't able to burn fat!

In order to burn fat and lose weight successfully, you need to forget about calorie counting and eat enough so that your body is forced to keep your metabolic rate at a high level. Your body needs fuel to burn fat, and it can get that fuel only from foods!

2. Exercise more: If you have been avoiding exercises altogether, or have been doing only light exercises, then you cannot lose weight. Weight loss is only possible if you perform high intensity workouts daily. Instead of being afraid of exercises, try to love them. Exercises are yet another powerful way of increasing your metabolic rate.

Follow these two methods and you will soon be able to acquire the slim body you desire!

2009-05-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Certain gene alterations improve breast cancer patients' response to anthracycline therapy, Canadian researchers say.

They found that women with tumors that carried topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) gene alterations had 65 percent better relapse-free survival and 67 percent better overall survival when treated with an anthracycline-containing regimen (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil [CEF]) than when treated with a non-anthracycline-containing regimen (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil [CMF]).

Women whose tumors were TOP2A-normal, however, had a similar response to both therapies.

The increased responsiveness to CEF seen in women with TOP2A gene alterations is similar to that seen in breast cancer patients with an amplification of the HER2 gene, said Dr. Kathleen I. Pritchard, of the University of Toronto, and colleagues. The study was too small to determine whether the effect of TOP2A alterations was independent of HER2, they said.

Because women whose tumors are normal for TOP2A and HER2 do not appear to benefit from anthracycline-based treatment, they can be treated with less toxic regimens, such as CMF, the researchers said.

The study was published online Tuesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about breast cancer.

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2009-04-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

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Bacteria Free Holiday Meals

2008-11-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

An accepted way to observe holidays or any party event is to ask acquaintances and family to a buffet or to dinner. However, this type of meal where foods are un-refrigerated for long periods leaves the door wide open for unwelcome guests—bacteria that can cause food borne sickness.

Happy times for giving and sharing should not include sharing food that will cause illness. Here are some guidelines from the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline to assist in bacteria free holiday meals.

Good Food Handling
Be sure to wash your hands prior to and after touching food. As well, keep your kitchen, dishes and utensils clean. At all times serve food on clean plates, don’t use the plate that was the raw meat and poultry was on. If you do, bacteria from the raw meat juice can cross-contaminate the food being served.

Cooking Thoroughly
If you are preparing foods before the party, be sure to cook foods carefully to a safe minimum internal temperature for bacteria free holiday meals.

Beef, veal and lamb steaks, roasts and chops should be cooked to 145 degrees F.
All cuts of pork should be cooked to 160 degrees F.
Ground beef, veal and lamb should be cooked 160 degrees F.
All poultry should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees F.

Use The Right Containers For Bacteria Free Holiday Meals
Separate cooked foods into shallow containers to put in the refrigerator or freezer until you serve them. This helps with rapid, even cooling. Heat hot foods to a minimum of 165 degrees F before serving. Put food on several small platters instead of one large platter. Keep other foods warming in the oven (set at 200 to 250 degrees F) or cold in the refrigerator until time to serve. This way food can be kept at a safe temperature for a greater period of time. Use a new platter instead of adding fresh food to one that already had food in it. Many people have been getting food from the dish and it has also been at room temperature for a time.

Two-Hour Food Rule
Don’t let foods be at room temperature for more than two hours. Pay attention to how long food has been sitting on the table and throw away anything that’s been out two hours or more.

The Hot and Cold of Bacteria Free Holiday Meals
Hot foods need to be kept at 140 degrees F or warmer. You can keep these foods hot with chafing dishes, slow cookers and warming trays on the serving area. Foods that are served cold should be kept at 40 degrees F or colder. You can do this by putting dishes in bowls of ice or using small serving trays and replacing them.

Food borne Bacteria That Can Sabotage Bacteria Free Holiday Meals
Bacteria can be everywhere but some really like to hang around parties. Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes cling to people's hands and steam tables. These are different from microorganisms that cause food to spoil; these harmful or pathogenic bacteria are odorless and tasteless. Preventing them requires safe food handling.

If after you have taken all these precautions and illness still occurs, make sure to contact a health professional and describe the symptoms. Have a safe and happy holiday and bacteria free holiday meals.

Superfoods to Combat Cirrhosis And Clean Up The Liver

2008-11-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Cirrhosis is described as the replacement of damaged liver cells by fibrous scar tissue which interrupts the liver's significant functions. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of excessive alcohol (most common), common viral hepatitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, and exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

People who have cirrhosis often experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, making them look gaunt. Diet alone does not add to the development of liver disease. Those who are well nourished, but drink large amounts of alcohol, are also susceptible to liver disease.

Adults with cirrhosis need a balanced diet rich in protein to let the liver cells rejuvenate. However, excessive protein will cause an increased amount of ammonia in the blood; too little protein can reduce healing of the liver. A doctor is the best to prescribe the correct amount of protein for a person with cirrhosis.

In addition to protein, a balanced diet with sufficient calories, fats, and carbohydrates can actually help the damaged liver to renew liver cells. In fact, in some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an important form of treatment.

Grains and legumes are great protein sources for those who suffer from cirrhosis. Red meat should not be eaten since the liver is not working to its most favorable capacity and most likely will have trouble dealing with fats. Nuts, seeds, and soy products are also good sources of low-fat protein.

Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas are also a part of a healthy balanced diet, as they are all whole grain carbohydrates that provide a steady supply of energy, important for your body’s ability to heal.

Cereals, breads, potatoes and legumes are great sources for the B-complex vitamins. These boost metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth and division — including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia. As well, they also help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, which is important when you’re nursing your body back to health.

Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach, are all great sources of vitamin C, which help to promote a healthy immune system. It’s vital to stay as healthy as possible during the healing process, so your body can focus on liver repair.

Together with plenty of rest and lots of fresh water to help flush the toxins from your body, a well-balanced nutrition plan should put you well on the road to recovery.

Superfoods To Help With Menopause

2008-11-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

Menopause is a tough time for many females. It usually happens in late middle age when the usefulness of the ovaries begins to decline. Problems associated with the estrogen deficiency in menopause can include arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, decreased skin elasticity and hot flashes. However, by eating some superfoods everyday, symptoms can be decreased, memory maintenance happens, and osteoporosis lessened.

Tofu is an outstanding protein that can be used instead of meat and can be very supportive in lowering cholesterol and heart disease. Tofu and other soy products can help reduce hot flashes from menopause.

There have been recent indications that fiber helps reduce the risk of colon and other types of cancer, as well as diverticulosis. Women need about 30 grams of fiber each day. Navy beans are a superfood and have 19 grams, so they’re a good choice. Serve them in place of rice or other side dishes.

As we age our memory may begin to slip and we may become forgetful. Eating blueberries can cut back on the short-term memory loss. Eat them with some plain yogurt, which is a superfood, for breakfast or a snack. Yogurt, which is full of calcium, can help prevent osteoporosis that happens in menopause, help strengthen immunity and help with weight loss. Choose live yogurts that contain high amounts of acidophilus, which can also help prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.

Avocados are full of antioxidants such as vitamin E, which helps protect both the vision and skin and are a superfood as well. They also contain monosaturated fats that improve the condition of hair and skin, which can need help when a woman goes through menopause. Make a great guacamole dip, or even put them on your sandwich with a tomato.

As well, avoid drinking a lot of caffeinated drinks each day, and boost your body’s vitamin C absorption by eating an orange with an iron-rich food like whole-grain oatmeal.

Protect Your Child By Checking The Delta Crib Recall

2008-10-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

Delta Enterprise Corp., a children's goods maker, will declare a recall of 1.59 million cribs linked to two infant deaths. This recall follows some of the latest recalls of cribs and bassinets involving other manufacturers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, is projected to hold a news conference shortly to declare the delta crib recall, which is being conducted on a voluntary basis by the corporation. Compulsory recalls are rare, though the CPSC now and again must pressure manufacturers to consent to repair or pull their goods from the shelves.

According to the company, the delta crib recall results as of two different types of hardware used on cribs sold from 1995 through 2005. The hardware, which includes safety pegs for one set of cribs and spring pegs for a different one, can produce a hazard if not correctly installed. The improper mechanism can cause the drop side of the cribs to fall and unfasten; creating a gap that can trap and suffocate children.

China, already enmeshed in a polluted milk scandal that has made thousand of infants sick, says it takes product safety very seriously, especially where children are concerned. This statement following the latest new report about the delta crib recall could make one wonder just how true this is.

• The delta crib recall is the biggest in a recent series of crib and bassinet recalls urged by the CPSC. In mid-September, the group announced a recall of about 600,000 Simplicity Inc. drop-side cribs that concerned hardware troubles.

• A month earlier, 900,000 Simplicity convertible bassinets were recalled after federal regulators connected the products to two baby deaths from strangulation. In that case, metal bars were placed too far apart to prevent infants from slipping all the way through.

• An additional recall last September implicated about one million defective Simplicity cribs with drop-side hardware troubles that regulators connected to at least two other infant deaths.

• Last week, Playkids U.S.A. of Brooklyn, N.Y., recalled about 2,000 convertible cribs because of sides made of mesh that can produce a dangerous gap when expanded.

If you have purchased a Delta crib check it now, because with a number like 1.6 million you may actually have one. The delta crib recall website has more information.

The Answer To Why Can't I Lose Weight

2008-10-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

If you’re struggling with the question why can't I lose weight… then you might want to read this.

Simple diet tips like, eat less and exercise more, are obvious but may not always be easy to do and don’t answer the question why can't I lose weight.

So in order to make it a little easier, the following are the top five diet tips from experts across the country to help you lose weight.

Why can't I lose weigh tip #1.
Drink lots of water. If you drink an 8 ounce glass of water before each meal you will feel fuller and eat less.

Why can't I lose weigh tip #2.
Are you really hungry? Pay attention to physical signs of hunger.If you’re truly hungry it’s your body’s way of telling you that you need fuel and you won’t be able to satisfy a craving if you’re body doesn’t truly need the food.

Why can't I lose weigh tip #3.
Empty calorie eating usually occurs after dinner, when you finally get to relax. Keep only healthy snacks around or make the kitchen off limits after a certain hour to reduce this.

Why can't I lose weigh tip #4.
Eat small meals during the day. Eating lots of small healthy meals will keep you full, help you to avoid binge eating and will boost metabolism.

Why can't I lose weigh tip #5.
Don’t completely leave out small amounts of treats and enjoy them to reward yourself once in a while.

And as always, be sure to check with your physician before beginning any diet.

Human Growth Hormone And Weight Loss

2008-10-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

Science is as close as it's ever been to conquering aging and implementing human growth hormone and weight.

Human growth hormone (HGH) is produced in the body by the pituitary gland and is plentiful during childhood and adolescence, but its levels decrease dramatically as we grow older.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that restoring levels of HGH in aging individuals can have dramatic effects for human growth hormone and weight loss. One landmark study, published in 1990 in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that 12 men who took HGH had an increase in lean muscle and bone density and a decrease in fat, while nine men who didn't take it experienced none of these changes.

Emerging data about human growth hormone and weight shows that the generation of products sold via the Internet and in health stores as dietary supplements is not regulated as drugs by the FDA and claim to produce the same effects for a reduced price.

When it comes to human growth hormone and weight loss, before purchasing from a health food store or via the Internet, ask if the company has solid scientific evidence published in reputable medical journals about the product's effectiveness. The hype could just be another attempt by diet companies to make a simple issue complicated in order to sell a product.

As well, when in doubt, ask your physician.

What You Need To Know About Weight Loss Dietary Supplements

2008-10-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

Being overweight is becoming increasingly common these days and people try several methods to lose excess and unwanted weight including weight loss dietary supplements.

There are a lot of weight loss dietary supplements available over the counter claiming to have miraculous effect in losing weight quickly and easily. Not all these supplements are good. So before you buy them ensure that it is both effective and safe and speak to your doctor.

Some weight loss dietary supplements try to speed up your metabolism. Some stimulate the thyroid gland increasing the active hormone production. Some claim to stimulate the muscles to burn glucose saying that it helps in weight loss. There are some weight loss supplements that have effect on producing heat, which is again a process of spending calories.

The problem is that some of these weight loss dietary supplements are untested, unproven and are neither effective nor safe. So before you choose your weight loss supplements talk to your doctor.

The thermogenic fat burners are weight loss dietary supplements that raise the temperature of your body and thus increase the number of calories burned. These have proved successful and effective in losing weight. Like other weight loss dietary supplements, these have to be used moderately and not abused. Short term usage of these thermogenic weight loss supplements have proved successful and resulted in good weight loss.

Before beginning any weight loss dietary supplements, speak to your doctor.

What Is Kawasaki Disease

2008-08-19T06:37:00.001-07:00

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is also called "muco-cutaneous lymph node syndrome." The cause of Kawasaki Disease has not known.

Kawasaki Disease, usually after a period of time and even without consulting a doctor, resolves itself and the patient is fine. Without consulting a doctor, however, potential serious complications may develop and may not be recognized.

Kawasaki Disease usually affects children younger than 4 years old with the majority being less than 2 years; although cases in older children have also been reported.

Findings of high fever and enlarged lymph glands in Kawasaki Disease seem to show it as an inflammatory process. Because the inflammation often involves the blood vessels of the body, Kawasaki Disease is felt to be an inflammation of a blood vessel. The cause of the inflammation is not known.

Some of the signs of Kawasaki Disease include:

1. Prolonged high fever (lasting longer than 5 days)

2. A non-specific rash that often involves the groin area

3. Painful joints

4. Red eyes, without discharge

5. Very red lips and tongue

6. Enlarged neck lymph gland(s)

7. "Puffy" hands and feet occasionally followed by peeling of their superficial skin

8. Irritability in younger patients. In some children, enlargement of the gall bladder can cause abdominal pain and vomiting.

If there is no heart involvement after 1 year from the diagnosis of this disease, the patient is often released from further cardiology evaluations. The majority of the patients fall in this category, and they have an excellent prognosis.

Consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.

What Is The Coconut Oil Diet

2008-08-19T06:28:00.001-07:00

Coconut oil is a healthy oil substitute. Coconut oil is not oxidized easily. It is also resistant to free radical attacks and acts as an anti-oxidant, so a coconut oil diet is healthy.

A coconut oil diet absorbs fewer fats than foods fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils. Foods cooked in coconut oil stay fresh longer and promote nutrient absorption. So it is advisable to change to a coconut oil diet instead of vegetable oil.

As well, coconut oil is great for hair. It makes hair soft and silky and easy to brush. You can also use coconut oil for skin care. It prevents the formation of destructive free radicals.

A coconut oil diet can strengthen your immune system to fight the. A coconut oil diet speeds up recovery from illness, and protects from infectious diseases.

Using a coconut oil diet can help you lose weight by making wise food choices without feeling hungry, miserable and deprived.

A coconut oil diet increases your metabolic rate which makes the body burn more calories. This increased metabolism stays for 24 hours. Taking coconut oil increases your energy level and burn off calories at an accelerated rate.

Always check with your doctor before going on any diet plan.

Did You Know You May Be Eating Chlorinated Chicken

2008-07-25T08:34:00.001-07:00

If you are trying to eat healthy…you need to know this.Recent news about the importation of poultry to shops in Europe has brought to light an issue that some Americans didn’t know themselves. We are eating chlorinated chickens.

Big poultry producers in the United States do put their chicken in chlorine baths to decontaminate it as required by the FDA. Am I the only one that thinks this is crazy? Especially when there are other ways of decontamination?

Successful trials, including several at the University of Georgia, have shown that electrolyzed water is highly effective at killing food-borne bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, without affecting the quality of the food.

The export of poultry issue has some Europeans in an uproar. Europeans have stricter animal rights laws which they should want to uphold. But the biggest problem right now is that the US chickens are dipped in a chlorine solution to disinfect them after being slaughtered.

While there is little proof that this is harmful to human health, there is little proof that it is safe. However, according to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality, "Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine."

It’s not known yet the long term effects of chemical reactions that occur with chlorine and meat. These reactions might be mutagenic, which could lead to cancer with high enough exposure.

Organic Chicken… The Only Way Around It

Certified organic chicken is supplied by individual farmers. Organic production comes from a holistic system which actively manages the linkage between healthy soils, plants, animals, food and people and promotes environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Providers of certified 100% organic chicken are not required to use the same processing as the big companies.

This is an important reason to know your farmers and/or butchers whenever possible. Or, if this is not possible, spend the extra time to seek out trustworthy companies that provide completely organic chicken. You can find organic chicken in your local stores and on-line…but check out their processing techniques and read the label.

Chlorine should not be what’s for dinner and does not belong on a plan for healthy eating.

What You Should Know About Cardiovascular Disease In Women

2008-07-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, is the number one killer of men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases include such problems as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, valve disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. The truth of the matter is that one in four women is affected with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal blood glucose, and even the use of tobacco, among other things. When addressed at an early age, these risk factors can be fixed to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Altering ones lifestyle can help to lower the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Eating a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, drinking enough water daily and exercising for half an hour a day are all suggested ways to lower the chances of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are known as silent killers, as they often have no symptoms. If you think you may be having any symptoms of heart disease, you should speak to your doctor

In connection with cardiovascular disease are "’palpitations’. They interrupt the normal heart rhythm, which can feel like a missed beat. This can actually be harmless “quirk” of your body’s functions, or can lead to problems that are far more serious.

If a woman has these palpitations or any other symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath, she should contact her doctor. A complete medical history, physical exam, and other tests will be run to determine the cause of these behaviors, which can be anything from stress-related behavior to something far more dangerous.

The advice and consultation of a physician where cardiovascular disease is concerned is the only way to go.

How Does Our Body Use Food For Nutrients

2008-07-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

When a person eats food, the process of how the body gets its nutrients is called digestion. This breaks food down into its respective nutrients.

Carbohydrates get broken down into single units of sugars, protein into amino acids and fats into fatty acids.

This process of receiving nutrients actually starts when you chew the food. Then the food travels down into the stomach through the esophagus where it is liquefied by stomach acids.

When the food reaches your small intestines, this is where the nutrient harvesting begins.Most of the digestion and absorption of the food occurs here in your small intestine. Digestive enzymes called lipase, amylase and protease act on fats, carbohydrates and proteins to break them down into their nutrients for absorption.

Once the food has been broken down by the acids into their simple units, they are then absorbed into the blood stream for further chemical changes to make other compounds that the body needs.

Water and small fats cross the intestinal wall easily. Some nutrients such as water and fat soluble vitamins need a carrier to take them across the wall. Other nutrients such as proteins and glucose move across the wall and into the blood stream by themselves but use energy to do so. This is a simple explanation of how the body uses foods as nutrients.

How To Get Thin With Herbalife Weight Loss

2008-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Herbalife weight loss family of products now offers a program called ShapeWorks. This program comes in several different varieties, 'quickstart', 'advanced' and 'ultimate'. Each of these comes with the famous Herbalife weight loss 'protein plus'.

The Herbalife weight loss program is personalized for individual protien needs to help the dieter stay full.

As well it comes with a seven-day recommended meal plan.

An individuals weight loss will depend on body type as well as how well one sticks to the plan.

The Herbalife weight loss program has a daily eating plan that includes:

1) One healthy meal with plenty of fruit & vegetables.

2) 2 meal-replacement shakes that fits the dieters protein needs, and protein snacks to increase metabolism and reduce hunger.

3) Supplements to foster health and cell nutrition by helping reduce water weight, increasing metabolism and building energy.

The Herbalife weight loss family of products has been around for many years and offers a pretty sensible approach to losing weight. However, make sure to consult your pysician before beginning any weight loss program.

What Are Weight Loss Camps

2008-06-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

What are weight loss camps? Well, they are a way to whip your weight loss program into shape.

It is also a term for a type of program where overweight and obese people go to lose weight. They are also referred to as a fitness camp and ‘fat farm’.

The differences between weight loss camps and any other ordinary camps is that weight loss camps typically provide nutrition classes, weekly weigh-ins, and many more aerobic-based classes. The main goal of weight loss camps is to enhance the health of the campers and to help them start losing weight as well as teach them about how to live healthy on the outside.

Some of the places that offer weight loss camps provide weight-loss results of two to six pounds per week on average. Remember though, the more overweight the person participating, the more they will lose in the program. The overall results of weight loss camps vary widely and depend on the quality of the program and the physical makeup of the person attending.

Some of the newer programs not only focus on weight loss, but also on changing lifestyle behaviors. Generally, experts believe these are key elements of effective weight loss camps.

The popularity of this subject has become evident through things like a number of recent reality shows that relate to the subject of a weight loss camps such as the popular “The biggest Loser’.

Of course before beginning any weight loss regime or attending weight loss camps, consult your physician.

Create A Natural Glow With Plants

2008-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world, especially in the Eastern world. Since making it's way to our part of the world, it continues to become more popular all the time. Among the many different ways it is used includes a way to create a natural glow with plants and seems to be one of the most popular. Below we will examine how different combinations of essential oils are used to create a natural glow with plants for different skin types.

The oils used in aromatherapy skin care are derived from various plants and herbs found all over the world. These components come in various forms that are used many different ways. Some are applied directly to the skin, and are often an essential part of massage therapy. Others are ingested, in the form of herbal teas and the like. There are even some that are injected into the skin to create a natural glow with plants.

Normal Skin

No matter what type of skin you have, your main goal is to keep it clean and feeling refreshed. Aromatherapy skin care can accomplish this without the use of harsh chemicals and cleansers that often do more damage than good. For normal skin you can tone and maintain good balance with a combination of lavender, clary sage, lemon, and chamomile. This mixture can be massaged directly on the surface of the skin or it can be added to bath water. Combining it with hot water will release more fragrance and soothe the mind as well as the body as well as create a natural glow with plants.

Oily Skin

For oily skin, the goal of aromatherapy skin care is to clear the pores of any dirt, debris and skin cells that may be blocking them. When this happens, it causes the skin to over moisturize itself, and the result is oily skin. Pores can be cleared by using a mixture of lavender, clary sage, bergamot, and orange flower or rose water. This will act as a gentle cleanser that will clean and refresh the skin. Some chemicals designed for this purpose will tend to dry out the skin, leaving you with another problem to take care of.

Dry Skin

For dry skin, aromatherapy skin care must be used to create a moisturizer to create a natural glow with plants. A mixture of lavender, bergamot, rose water, almond, patchouli, and sandalwood will accomplish this for you. This mixture will act as a moisturizer that will leave your skin glowing, without having to resort to harsh chemicals. After all, that is the purpose of aromatherapy skin care. You want to give your skin the best care possible using only natural ingredients.

The fragrances of these aromatherapy skin care products will also give you some added health benefits. Relaxation and stress relief are two major positive effects that you will enjoy. Some of these scents have also been successfully used as remedies for insomnia. When you create a natural glow with plants it has numerous benefits for the body and mind.

5 Places That Are Full Of Germs

2008-06-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

You may be the type of person who is very health conscious. You eat right, exercise, have quit smoking or never started and do all you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But do you know and are you careful about the 5 places that are full of germs?

There are common things that can make you and your family sick. Here are the top five places that are full of germs, and information on what you can do to keep those little pests at bay.

Clean Up Your Act:

1) Your toothbrush. The germ filled reality is that every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush can get sprayed with bacteria. Experts say the average toilet bowl contains 3.2 million germs per square inch, and when you flush, these germs fly up to six feet.

How to fix it: Store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, or keep it in the medicine cabinet.

2) Your kitchen sponge. Lots of studies have shown that a sponge is one of the most germ filled objects in the house and can be home to billions of bacteria. These bacteria could even be staphylococcus or salmonella, which can cause you or your family to get very ill.

How to fix it: An article published in The Journal of Environmental Health states that dampening your sponge with water and then putting it in the microwave for two minutes will help kill the germs. Some experts say that it's better to rinse sponges with soap and water and let them dry out between uses. Either way, it's important that sponges be replaced every few weeks in order to prevent excessive bacteria buildup. As well, there are lots of ‘use and discard’ products on the market.

3) Your purse. Researchers at Nelson Laboratories say that women's purses can carry a host of nasty little germs including salmonella and E. coli. These little germs can cause gastrointestinal and eye problems. As well, researchers found trace fecal contamination on the majority of purses tested. Gross….but true

How to fix it: Don’t your purse on the floor of a train, bus, car, or public restroom. Also, wipe it down with antibacterial wipes at the end of each day. If your purse is washable, toss it in the washing machine every couple of weeks on a gentle cycle.

4) Your office desk. A study at U of A study showed that the average office desk contains 20,961 germs per square inch. The worst desktop germ holders? Phones, computer keyboards, and mousse. All of which can serve as a breeding ground for germs and the viruses that cause colds and flu.

How to fix it: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), you can cut down on these germs by wiping down the desk with disinfectant and not eating at your desk.

5) Your makeup. You might think that tube of lipstick is beautiful, but there may be more to your makeup than making you look good. Cosmetics and the applicators act like sponges. They harbor tons of germs, which could lead to eye and skin infections.

How to fix it: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends replacing powders and eye shadows every two years, foundation and lipstick every year, and mascara every three months. Applicators should also be washed regularly with soap and water.

Do You Need Colostrum

2008-06-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Colostrum is the name given to milk produced immediately after birth. In cows is it is referred to as bovine colostrum, which cam be beneficial to children and adults alike.

Bovine colostrum contains components such as immunoglobulins, antibodies, proline-rich polepeptyde, lactoferrin and glycoproteins, which are very important in fighting viruses in the human body.

There are over 90 components in bovine colostrum, which are divided into two classes, immune factors and growth factors. These two factors contribute largely in maintaining health, making bovine colostrum a buzz word for a growing number of people.

Bovine colostrum is said to rejuvenate your brain, assist generation or improvement of aged muscles, burn fat, assist the internal regulation of blood glucose levels, and repair the body's DNA and RNA. Also, the vitamins and minerals present in bovine colostrum act as coenzymes, which maintain the chemical process in the body.

There is a misconception that only children can benefit from colostrum. Actually, as we age, we stop producing immune and growth factors that help us fight diseases, so there may be a need for colostrum in adults.

Colostrum is a natural food having no side effects and can help the body to utilize the proteins and vitamins obtained from foods.

Bovine colostrum is said to be right for people of every age. However, consult your physician before taking colostrum.

Does Food Lose Nutrients Over Time

2008-06-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

The answer to this question depends on the type of food.

One example is a drink product that claims to have Vitamin C in it. The manufacturer of this drink has to put an extra amount of that vitamin in the product because some of the vitamins will deteriorate over a period of time. This depends on the temperature of the storage of the product. The higher the temperature or the longer the storage time, the more of the vitamin will end up deteriorating.

Vitamin C happens to be one of the most sensitive vitamins. If the product is to contain 100% of vitamin C at the end of the shelf life, then the manufacturer may have to put in 200% to begin with because they know that 2 years later it will have lost half of its value.

Fats can also oxidize. If you have ever had a bag of cake flour on your shelf in your kitchen and two or three years later it is full of weevils and you smell it and it has an awful smell, it is usually because the fat that is present in the flour has oxidized.

The moral of the story, it is always best to use your food in a timely manner and check expiration dates to make sure to get the most nutritional value from it.

Tasty Ways To Fight Against Coronary Artery Disease

2008-06-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

More and more people are joining the growing trend of eating reduced fat meals to fight coronary artery disease. You see when fat deposits line the wall of arteries; it can lead to some serious complications, one of which is coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease can be debilitating and lead to heart attack or the need for intervention such as having stents placed or having bypass surgery.

By eating heart healthy one may lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

Check out this tasty, low in fat recipe.

ROCKPORT FISH CHOWDER

2 Tbsp olive oil

3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion

1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery

1 cup sliced carrots

2 cups potatoes, raw, peeled and cubed

1/4 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp paprika

2 cups bottled clam juice

8 whole peppercorns

1 bay leaf

1 lb fresh or frozen (thawed) cod or haddock fillets, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1/4 cup flour

3 cups low-fat (1%) milk

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and celery and sauté about 3 minutes.

2. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, paprika, and clam broth. Put peppercorns and bay leaves in cheese cloth. Add to pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.

3. Add fish and simmer an additional 15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily and is opaque.

4. Remove fish and vegetables; break fish into chunks. Bring broth to a boil and continue boiling until volume is reduced to 1 cup. Remove bay leaves and peppercorns.

5. Shake flour and 1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk in a container with a tight-fitting lid until smooth. Add to broth in saucepan with remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and is thickened.

6. Return vegetables and fish chunks to stock and heat thoroughly. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Serving Size: 1 cup and contains the following:

Calories: 186
Total fat: 6 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 34 mg
Sodium: 302 mg